Experimental observations on electricity generation and thermal characteristics of TEG facades

The incorporation of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) into building systems has considerable potential for en-ergy harvesting and merits further exploration. In this study, the electricity generation and thermal character-istics of the TEG facades comprised of TEG cells and feasible wall constructions under different solar heating conditions (peak heat gain: 400-1200 W/m2) were experimentally investigated. The results showed that applying TEGs to a typical structural facade using a 25 cm-thick reinforced concrete (RC), the peak electricity generation was 100.0 mW/m2. For TEG nonstructural facades, if the indoor heat gain was considered, the TEG attached to the 2.5 cm-thick microencapsulated phase change material (mPCM) honeycomb board showed the highest energy ratio. Correlation equations of the power generated by TEG facades per unit area with time during the daytime are provided, which designers can use to estimate the power generation for a TEG facade with a given peak solar heat gain.